By Lauran O’toole Phoebe Jobling
Households in the UK are being urged to avoid drinking coffee at home today (June 30) for one key reason. With the weather heating up once again across the country, keeping cool can be quite the challenge. Temperatures are predicted to soar to 35C in the south of England today, according to the Met Office, potentially making it the hottest day of the year so far. The remainder of the country will see temperatures sit around the high 20Cs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert affecting five regions: East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and East of England. Amber heat alerts are set to remain in place until Tuesday evening across southern, western and eastern England, with warnings of an increased risk of fatalities, particularly among those aged over 65. As the mercury rises, getting a good night’s sleep can become increasingly difficult, with overnight temperatures in southern England expected to reach a stifling 20C. Those struggling to get a decent night’s sleep may be tempted to turn to caffeine for a pick-me-up during the day, but this could potentially make things much worse. Brits are now being advised to avoid coffee today for a better night’s sleep tonight. Caffeine can make you feel hot and jittery in the heat, which can impact your productivity. Consuming caffeine during a heatwave can also worsen dehydration due to its diuretic effect. It can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which could be harmful in hot conditions, reports the Express . Furthermore, it can disrupt temperature regulation, potentially increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Instead, Brits are encouraged to swap their coffee for a refreshing smoothie or a glass of water. Coconut water is highly recommended during a heatwave, thanks to its high potassium and electrolyte content. The refreshing beverage provides some respite during sweltering conditions as it replenishes lost fluids and delivers a host of vital vitamins and minerals that bolster your immune system.